This is a San Francisco wooden trolley made from the tropical wood lignum vitae. These were made in 1906 to replace the trolley insulators damaged from the earthquake that nearly leveled Sn Francisco. This one has been refinished (as most have been) and it has a gloss finish from the lacquer. The lacquer enhances the grain and wood tones. Being of the darker wood, it appears this one was made from the heartwood which was the strongest part of the tree. The specimen has the petitcoat style base. Only a few remain in service. A recent ICON post indicated that the last in service pieces are being removed. Many of the originals were either thrown away or burnt in fireplaces. The book Wood Amongest the Wires documents the history of these unique pieces of Americana. Price shipped to your door: $125.00.